EXETER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

The Most Promising, Most Critical Season Opens

PROMOTION A TALL ORDER BUT CLUB IS BETTER EQUIPPED

Exeter City open very shortly a season which is certainly the most promising, and at the same time, as critical as any in the club's history. Close season acquisitions of inside forwards of undoubted class and reputation have pleased the City's body of well wishers, and even the sceptical section has had to admit that a genuine effort has been made to show that the "New Deal" was no idle promise.
The directors came to the public and said, in effect:-" Have confidence, lend us your financial aid and we will do our best to deliver the goods." To the credit of sportsmen, business and professional men in the city there was a noble response to the appeal for increased share capital. The money came rolling in splendidly, and so the old club has been given a new lease of life.

With enriched coffers the club's affairs were placed on a firm financial basis; the internal workings were subjected to a thorough overhaul, and new ideas came into being, not the least important of which was the decision to form a Supporters Club. A directorate, strengthened by the addition of nine newcomers, is now working to ensure that the rebirth of Exeter City will be sustained. Therefore, a season full of wonderful opportunity lies ahead. Let officials, spectators, and last, and by no means least, the players, see to it that the prospect is not darkened. Provided every section pulls its weight all will be well. Bickering and unjustifiable grumbling will drag the club back into the trough of depression from which it was only recently rescued. That is a state of affairs to be avoided at all costs, for, who knows, the way out may be impossible next time.

COLD ANALYSIS WANTED

Autumnal optimism is often unfounded when applied to weighing the possibilities of a Football League side. Quite properly the supporters of any ambitious club envisage promotion whenever the thoughts of them turn to football on the eve of a campaign. Where the mistake is made, however, is that the opinion is fre quently formed without due regard for facts, so necessary in arriving at a reasoned judgment. Far preferable, in dealing with Exeter City's outlook, is to analyse it on calculated, as distinct from ultra optimistic lines. The safest guide, at this early stage, is the known form of the retained players, plus the credentials of the new men engaged. Eleven of the eighteen professionals on the pay roll are old servants. These are Chesters, Gray, and Miller, that tried and trusted rearguard which has borne the brunt of the struggle in many a match during the past two seasons especially; Clarke, Risdon, and Angus, each an adaptable half-back of good Southern Section standard; and the two Scotts, Poulter, McArthur, and Hurst in the attack.

HIGHER CLASS OF FOOTBALL

This complement has been reinforced by the summer signings of Kirk, a goalkeeper from Liverpool, Lowton, a full back, who needs no introduction to Devonians, Robinson and Fantham, two half-backs from Huddersfield and Chester respectively, and the following forwards: Dunn, the Scottish international, McLean, from Blackburn Rovers, and McArdle, a stocky outside left from Stoke City. It will be appreciated that principal attention has been paid to strengthening the attack, and it seems obvious that the signing of experienced men of the calibre of Dunn and McLean will result, at any rate, in a higher class of football. Both men come to Exeter straight from the First Division, and both are players who have made their mark in the highest class, and it is certain that their presence must assert an uplifting influence.

THE DEPARTURES

Arthur Davies at nearby Plymouth will endeavour to recapture the ability which entitled him to be considered the Southern Section's best goalkeeper not so long ago. He will carry the best wishes of Exeter City's following, for he represents the very best type of sportsman, off the field as well as on it. "Paddy" Wrightson, joint highest goalscorer for the City last season, has gone to Chester, where Northern Section football should suit one of his style. A mercurial player, Wrightson on occasions attained a very high level of performance. And like Davies he is a player who gives his club no trouble. Another notable departure is Harold Webb, a centre half-back who likes the heavy grounds. He has gone to a good club in Coventry. Jack Dryden, who left on a free transfer, has received a rise in status in that he has joined Sheffield United, who are a Second Division club. At Bramall Lane he will have the chance of fulfilling the promise he sometimes showed at St James's Park, and in Dryden's case a lot will depend on himself. Lewis had no difficulty in getting fixed up, and he has thrown in his lot with Newport County. The present whereabouts of Smith, Dudley, and Tierney are not known. After taking stock and giving due consideration to the changes in the personnel, the conclusion is that the City will be a cleverer side this season. The team suggests superior craft in the vanguard, with the defence, about which there was little cause for complaint last winter, again up to the high standard of efficiency it has already shown.

PROMOTION CHANCES BETTER THAN MOST

Promotion is a tall order, but the opinion of Mr McDevitt is that Exeter City has as good a chance as any club and a better one than most. The manager is also of the opinion that from a purely football standpoint the City should be better equipped than at any time within his recollection. A lot depends upon hitting upon the right blend and steering clear of injuries. There is a reference above to the possibility of several new ideas being introduced at the City's headquarters. For example, the Chairman has in mind an ambitious scheme for the coaching and training of schoolboys and juniors. Lectures from people who are prominent personalities in the game and advice from those well qualified to give it are contemplated, and assuming the pupils assimilate what is explained and demonstrated, the quality of football among Exeter's younger generation is sure to be improved. 

THE NEW GRECIANS 

Followers of Exeter City have already hailed JOHN FANTHAM as one of the best of the close-season captures made by Mr Billy McDevitt. This left half-back, who was regarded as one of the Northern Section's outstanding intermediates, was surprisingly allowed to leave Chester on a free transfer last May. As soon as the news spread there was keen competition for his services, and not all the clubs in the hunt belonged to the lower order. The fact that Exeter secured him may have been and probably was influenced by the personal friendship which exists between the City and Chester managers. Fantham is not a bustler, but rather a quiet and effective footballer with good command of the ball. He missed very few games in Chester's first team during the last three campaigns. Similarly, Fantham was rarely out of the first team at Rotherham, from whence he moved to Chester, on account of the Yorkshire club being so financially worried that summer wages to even their best players at that time were out of the question. Fantham's early days were spent at Wolverhampton, at which time he mostly played inside forward.

REGINALD ROBINSON

Within twelve hours of the signing of McLean, Exeter's manager made the comparatively short journey from Blackburn to the town of Huddersfield, and secured Reginald Robinson, an up-standing centre half-back, who has youth on his side. It is thought that he will in due course fill the gap caused through the transfer of Webb to Coventry City. Robinson, like the majority of the City's recruits, has been associated with a First Division club, and this in itself is a strong recommendation because it is a well known fact that the elite of the Football League do not sign and persevere with any player unless there is a certain degree of ability. Robinson, who has not long passed twenty years of age, did not get many chances in Huddersfield Town's first team, but he made one Cup and one League appearance last season. He was a regular member of the Town's Central League eleven, helping them to preserve a sound defence.

TALENTED YOUNG GOALKEEPER

Five years ago Exeter City went to the Merseyside and secured goalkeeper Davies from Everton. A few months ago Mr McDevitt went to neighbouring Anfield and watched Clifford John Kirk, a young custodian, who joined Liverpool from South Wales junior football two and a half seasons previously. The City's manager saw Kirk in action against Everton Reserves, and what he saw must have been good because Kirk was fixed up as a "Grecian" without undue delay. The City's new goalkeeper comes from a club which has long been famed for the excellence of its custodians, the names of Scott, Campbell, and Riley spring readily to mind, and if he carries on the Liverpool tradition Exeter will congratulate themselves. Kirk has proved in the practice games that he possesses a safe pair of hands, and that he is neat and accomplished in saving high shots particularly. He is a young player anxious to make a name, and the City should feel no qualms if Chesters is un lucky enough to get injured or sustain a decline in his normal excellent form. Last week Kirk played under the handicap of a damaged arm, but it was no fault of his that the forwards of the "Probables" scored five times. He had no chance with any of the shots which beat him, but he did keep out more than one effort which would have beaten many goalkeepers.

MCLEAN, AN OLD CUP FOE

Exeter City will be in the remarkable position of being able to field an attack graced by the presence of two forwards who have played in F. A. Cup winning teams at Wembley. Dunn is one, and THOMAS MCLEAN the other. Combining something of the directness of a McDevitt with the artistry of a Houghton, McLean comes to the "Ever Faithful" with the very highest credentials. His signature was not obtained without keen competition, and it is a fact that Exeter City had to pay one of the highest fees in their history for this classy forward. McLean made 247 Football League appearances during nine years at Blackburn, and played in seventeen first team matches last season. He was the last survivor at Ewood Park of the Rovers' Cup winning team of the year 1928, and his first introduction to Exeter took place in that same season, for he was a member of the Blackburn side which visited St James's Park and shared four goals in a Cup-tie which continues to live in the memory of all who saw it. McLean scored a goal on that occasion, but the fact of that will be forgiven by Exonians if he fulfils expectations engendered by his displays in the practice matches. Before joining Blackburn Rovers, McLean was with St Johnstone, the Scottish League club, but despite his long association of top class football he is only just turned thirty.

A POTTER WHO DOESN'T

One of the City's weaknesses for some years, in fact since the departure of Doncaster, has been the outside left position. It is now expected to be remedied by PETER MCARDLE, a new recruit from Stoke City. This strongly built player has in the practice games revealed decided promise, his powerful shooting and his ability to take up position being most impressive. McArdle has spent close on three seasons with Stoke, where, besides making occasional first-team appearances he proved a consistent and useful player in the Central League. He also helped Stoke City to win the Staffordshire Cup, for which he received a medal. Exeter is his third professional club. Before going to Stoke he was on Durham City's books but his form was so good that after figuring in seven games he was transferred to the Potteries.

WILF LOWTON: LOCAL IDOL

This local product, a fine specimen of manhood, returns to the fold after half-a-dozen campaigns at Wolverhampton, where he won a Second Division championship medal, captained the first team, and earned a benefit. There are few stronger kickers of a dead ball than big Wilf, and this explains why he has scored from penalties and free-kicks so many times. The now defunct Exeter Gold Medals competition brought Lowton into the limelight, for it was following outstanding displays in this tournament while a member of Heavitree United that his worth was recognised by Mr Arthur Chadwick, at that time the manager of Exeter City. He eventually signed professional forms for the City and was not long in winning his way into the first team where he was a worthy partner first to Stanley Charlton and then to Charlie Miller. Strong and fearless, he rapidly trained on into a first-class defender, and Wolverhampton in 1929 had to pay a four-figured fee to secure his transfer. He has returned to Exeter on a "free ticket," and showed his keen appetite for the game by commencing rigorous training a month before the players were due to report at the beginning of this month. Always a loyal club man, Lowton's decision to hit the home trail was received with immense satisfaction in this part of the world.

DUNN'S UNIQUE RECORD

There is room in any team for the inside-forward who is a good and subtle schemer, and where Southern Section clubs are con cerned it is impossible to over-estimate the value of a really experienced campaigner who knows how to make the ball do the work. JAMES DUNN, one of the cleverest, as distinct from the trickiest, players of his generation, is an inside right who specialises in creating openings for his colleagues. There is not a lot of him in actual size, but he towers over his bigger physical rivals when it comes to actual craft. Exeter City have accomplished one of the best deals of this summer in securing Dunn's transfer from Everton. Six times a Scottish international (against Wales in 1925 and 1929, Ireland in 1925, 1927, and 1928, and England in 1928), Dunn has gained almost every honour the game has to offer. As a member of the Everton team he figured in a notable "hat trick," being in the side which won the Second Division championship in 1931, the First Division championship in 1932, and the F.A.Cup in 1933. He scored a goal in the 1933 cup final, and was a member of Scotland's wonderful forward line, the "Wembley Wizards" of 1927-28 (Jackson, Dunn, Gallacher, James, and Morton), which played against (and scored five goals against) England in that year at the famous Stadium. Jimmy Dunn joined Everton from the Scottish League club, Hibernians, along with another Scottish international, Ritchie. Exeter City have also signed three new players on trial, Dixon (full-back), Richards (outside right) and Cannon (outside left).

EXETER CITY BOARDROOM PERSONALITIES

With fifteen directors on the Board, Exeter City F. C. will be numerically strong enough to look after the workings of the club. Mr M. J. McGahey, Chairman since the adoption by Exeter City of professionalism in 1908, was returned at the head of the poll at the meeting of shareholders held in the summer to elect a new board, and the compliment was merited in view of the Chairman's great work in re-constituting the affairs of the Company.

Colleagues to be re-elected were Capt. F.J.C. Hunter, Messrs F.Parkhouse, F.P.Nichols, A.G. Chamberlain, and J.Lake.

The following nine gentlemen are newcomers to the Board:-

Mr Fred Blanchford, the benefactor who came to the club's aid in sportingly taking over the mortgage on the ground. Mr James Rigby, who will bring useful experience to bear by virtue of his long connection with the game as a player.

Mr C.W.H.Hill, a member of the Exeter City Council and one of the city's most prominent businessmen. He is one of the club's biggest shareholders.

Mr A.N.Pitts, an expert at raising money, who threw himself heart and soul into the campaign for increasing the club's share capital.

Mr J.C.R.Orchard, a well known Exeter sportsman, who like some others on the board has shown his worth in administrative and secretarial circles as a member of the City Council.

Mr F.P.Cottey, a former Vice-Chairman of the Devon County Football Association and Chairman of East Devon Area Committee. He is recognised as one of the best legislators on the game in the West of England.

Mr F.D.Newcombe, who has made his mark in business, and one who impresses on account of his sound counsel. He has taken a live interest in the Supporters' Club.

Mr W.D.Paynter, the honorary treasurer of the Supporters Club and a keen student of football in all its phases.

Mr C.S.Hoskin, afollower of Exeter City
ever since his youth. He has helped the olub in many ways, and is often to be seen accompanying the team on away matches.

Secretary:- Mr S.H.Thomas.
Manager:- Mr W.McDevitt.
Trainer:- Mr D.Livingstone.
Captain:- C. Miller.

PLAYERS.
Goal:- A. Chesters, C.J.Kirk.
Backs:- T.Dixon, W.J.Gray, W.Lowton, C. Miller 
Half-backs:- J.Angus, R.L.Clarke, J. T. Fantham, S.W.Risdon, R. Robinson.
Forwards:- J. Cannon, J.Dunn, S.Hurst, P.McArdle, E.McArthur, T.McLean, H.Poulter, W.Richards, J.Scott, I.Scott
AMATEURS.
Backs:- L. Brooking, W.Wellock.
Half-backs:- H.Bamsey, S. Barnes, L.J.Johnston.
Forwards:- R.Ebdon, J.Endacott, V.Hoyle, F.Smith, C.Sutherley, J. Taylor.

PUBLIC PRACTICE MATCHES

Schemers Who Should Transform the City Attack 

DUNN AND MCLEAN REVEAL EXPERT'S TOUCH IN FIRST PRACTICE

Inside Forwards an Improvement: Defence as Usual

Inside forward positions stronger; defence up to its usual and well known standard of reliability, and the prospect of keen competition for places in the half-back line. These were the main impressions derived from Exeter City's opening practice match, at St James's Park, on Saturday evening, August 17th.

Red & White Stripes.
Chesters; Gray and Miller; Clarke, Robinson, and Angus; Scott (J), Dunn, Poulter, McLean, and McArdle.

Whites.
Kirk; Lowton and Dixon; Risdon, H. Bamsey, and Fantham; Richards, Scott (T), Hurst, McArthur, and Cannon.

While it is unwise to take these practice games too seriously, for the very obvious reason that the moderate player "all-out" can appear better than the good one operating at half speed, it was easy to detect the master touch when Dunn or McLean were in possession. Both these players, as befits those who have had auspicious association with clubs in the highest class, worked wisely but not unnecessarily. When either had the ball he made good use of it, and this, after all, is one of the main tests of a footballer's ability. McLean's intricate footwork nearly always had opponents running the wrong way, but he did not delay the final pass unduly. Like Dunn, he always chose the correct moment to bring into play that dangerous through pass down the middle. Containing two such expert schemers Exeter's attack ought to be a lively force this coming season. Whoever leads the forwards should thrive on opportunities created by them. There was much to admire, too, about the play of Fantham. This recruit from Chester was regarded as one of the best halves in the Northern Section last season. His ball control in Exeter's first trial game was distinctly good, and he ventured far up the field in support of his forwards. As a matter of fact the City should be well served at left-half, for Angus never put a foot wrong in the trial game.

SELECTION FAR FROM EASY

Robinson, a close season acquisition from Huddersfield Town, is a player of splendid physique, and he gives promise of being a pivot very difficult to circumvent. Speaking of the half backs as a whole, the standard was so even that selection is going to be far from easy. The attack, however, will probably pick itself for the early matches, and McArdle, an outside-left from Stoke City, is one of the certainties, taking the line through his display in the practice match. He made very few mistakes, and did not become flurried into acting without thought. McArdle shot with force and accuracy and figured among the goals. One of the most interesting players on view was Tom Scott, who captained the team upon his arrival from Norwich last season. Knee trouble and a subsequent cartilage operation kept him out of the game for a long period in 1934-35, and there was just a doubt as to which way things would go with a man who is one of the best types of professional it would be possible to find. Fortunately a summer's rest seems to have brought about a good recovery. The knee stood the strain in a private trial earlier in the week and it did so while he was on the field in the public trial. In case the latter part of the foregoing sentence should be mis construed it should be explained that Tom Scott and McArthur only played up to half-time; their places were then taken by a couple of amateurs on trial from the South Wales district. The sides were revised in a variety of other ways, McLean and Dunn being drafted from the Stripes' attack into the Whites' forward line after the interval, while at a later stage still Stanley Barnes had a run-out in place of Clarke. This being so, the actual result, a win for the Stripes by four goals to two, means little. Poulter, Hurst, and McArdle shared the goals. It is scarcely necessary to add that Chesters, Gray, and Miller played their usual sound game in defence, while Wilfred Lowton has lost none of his strength and speed during his years away from Exeter.

• The official attendance at Exeter City's first practice match was 2,670, and the receipts, devoted to local charities, were £70. 10s. 0d.

CITY ATTACK MOVES WITH FIRST DIVISION PRECISION

Dunn and McLean Masters at Bargain Prices

POULTER'S IMPROVEMENT:: HALF-BACK PROBLEM: BAMSEY'S CLAIMS:

Exeter City have an attack which moves at First Division speed and precision. This was the verdict of the majority of Exeter's supporters following the second practice match on Saturday at St James's Park, when the Probables beat the Possibles by five goals to nothing.

August 24th, at St James's Park. PROBABLES 5,Poulter 3, J.Scott, McArdle
POSSIBLES 0.

There was some justification for this belief, for the forward line of the Probables certainly dovetailed into a quick and lively force. They played very good football. Combination was tantalisingly varied between the close and long passing style and the ball was never lofted unnecessarily. Overshadowing everything was the brilliance of Dunn and McLean, and it is only too clear that the City club has made a splendid bargain in acquiring two such shrewd schemers. Each possesses masterly ball control; each thinks quickly and passes the ball to advantage. Their "class" was plain for all to see.

THE SUCCESS OF POULTER.

Responding well to their judicious promptings, Poulter had a successful match. He positioned himself fairly well, and his powerful shooting was most impressive. Three of the Probables' five goals came from Poulter, and the tally would have been greater had luck been on his side. He is more mobile in his movements than of yore, and he has improved because he gains access to the open spaces more quickly. Jack Scott and McArdle scored the other goals, and the latter once again showed up in a favourable light. Not afraid to try a shot, he ought to render good service in the goal getting line when the serious business commences. It is fairly safe to assume that the Probables' forward line, Scott, Dunn, Poulter, McLean, and McArdle, will be chosen as the first team attack for the opening matches. Neither should there be much change in the defence. At half back, however, there is a bit of a problem. On the right hand side of the line Risdon and Clarke are players who are rather similar in style and very close together as regards ability. At centre half there is Angus and Robinson, and the amateur, H.Bamsey. Bamsey deserves a creditable mention on account of his performance in this trial game. He was cool and used the ball with judgment. He is a most promising youngster, and if he continues to learn he might even reach the highest class.

ANOTHER HARRY GEE.

As in the first trial, so in the second, Fantham was one of the highlights. People are already likening him to that wonderfully good intermediate, Harry Gee, another who made a speciality of placing neat and quiet endeavour in front of brute force. In many respects Saturday's game was quite as interesting as a League match. The football was there, and it was not always of an "easy, go as you please" character. Though these games should be taken with a certain amount of reserve, enough was seen to convince the City following that the club possesses good material. They should start strong favourites to beat Aldershot in the first match of the season on Saturday.

Probables. Chesters; Gray and Miller; Risdon, Angus, and Fantham; Scott (J), Dunn, Poulter, McLean, and McArdle.
Possibles. Kirk; Lowton and Dixon; Clarke, H. Bamsey, and Robinson; V.Hoyle, Scott (T), Hurst, McArthur, and Cannon.
Second half:- Robinson and Hoyle (Possibles) were replaced by S.Barnes and Richards.
Attendance 3,000.